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Assess E-learning Appropriateness to Optimize Learning & Development Investment

Prioritize learning outcomes over costs.

  • Organizations are under pressure to deliver training and development with scarce financial resources; this attracts them to e-learning because of its seemingly low cost and flexibility to implement and use. Most organizations do not look beyond the initial cost savings.
  • Measurement and evaluation is viewed as cumbersome and difficult (sometimes even as impossible), when in fact it is possible to quantify the effectiveness of e-learning.
  • Organizational e-learning is often fragmented, and stakeholder input is a missing piece in laying the foundation for e-learning success.

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Our Advice

Critical Insight

  • Most organizations will maintain or increase their investment in e-learning in the near future despite inconsistent findings about its cost-effectiveness and impact on learning outcomes. Ignoring or giving insufficient weight to learning objectives wastes money in the long run, and undermines both learning and cost reduction goals.
  • E-learning is effective for specific content, competencies, and learners, and must always be used in conjunction with other learning methods (such as coaching and on-the-job training). However, e-learning is often used in isolation. If e-learning is not part of a blended learning strategy, target learning outcomes will not be met.
  • Organizations that are committed to optimizing their e-learning must thoroughly assess the suitability for their organization, not simply adopt it because it’s trendy. Commit to reviewing the initiative and explore other alternative learning methods that you could use instead of e-learning, or alongside it, to do what makes the most sense for your organization.

Impact and Result

  • Make the case for evaluating e-learning’s effectiveness in your organization.
  • Conduct an inventory of your e-learning applications and tools to find out what’s in use and by whom.
  • Carry out an appropriateness assessment to gauge each e-learning tool’s alignment with target learning outcomes.
  • Identify metrics for measuring e-learning’s progress against learning and cost containment goals.
  • Build an e-learning plan for the future.

Assess E-learning Appropriateness to Optimize Learning & Development Investment Research & Tools

1. Create a business case for evaluating e-learning effectiveness

Gain stakeholder buy-in for optimizing the e-learning strategy.

Storyboard: Assess E-learning Appropriateness to Optimize Learning & Development Investment

2. Inventory and assess the appropriateness of in-use e-learning applications

Determine if they are aligned with target learning outcomes.

E-learning Audit and Appropriateness Assessment

3. Conduct an ROI calculation for e-learning initiatives

Demonstrate if e-learning is cost-effective.

Learning Methods Cost-Benefit Analysis

4. Shortlist and prioritize e-learning initiatives

Create a long-term e-learning plan.

E-learning Optimization Plan Template
Assess E-learning Appropriateness to Optimize Learning & Development Investment preview picture

About McLean & Company

McLean & Company is an HR research and advisory firm providing practical solutions to human resources challenges via executable research, tools, diagnostics, and advisory services that have a clear and measurable impact on your business.

What Is a Blueprint?

A blueprint is designed to be a roadmap, containing a methodology and the tools and templates you need to solve your HR problems.

Each blueprint can be accompanied by a Guided Implementation that provides you access to our world-class analysts to help you get through the project.

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Speak With An Analyst

Get the help you need in this 1-phase advisory process. You'll receive 2 touchpoints with our researchers, all included in your membership.

  • Call 1: E-learning appropriateness assessment

    Assessing e-learning appropriateness is critical. Determine if your e-learning applications and tools are appropriate given your target competencies, content, and learners.

  • Call 2: E-learning effectiveness metrics

    Metrics provide valuable information to sustain or increase investment in e-learning. Determine what metrics you need to evaluate e-learning effectiveness in terms of both learning outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Contributors

  • Daniel Adewumi, Project Manager, MHPM Project Managers Inc.
  • Martin Brennan, Development Manager, Integration Works
  • Dr. Holly Catalfamo, HR Program Coordinator, Niagara College
  • Laura Garner, Training & Development Professional
  • Thomas Garrod, Senior Organizational Learning Consultant, KnowAce
  • Harold Jarche, Principal, Jarche Consulting and Chairman, Internet Time Alliance
  • Tom Kuhlman, VP, Community at Articulate and Author “Insiders Guide to Becoming A Rapid E-learning Pro”
  • Dan Stone, Manager, Organizational Development, IFDS
  • David Vance, Executive Director, Center for Talent Reporting and Founder, Caterpillar University
  • Craig Weiss, CEO,E-learning 24/7
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